Architectural Record's annual contest spotlights the top new fittings, fixtures, hardware, and appliances for kitchens and baths. [Back to Record Products 2017]
Words from our Judges:
Sheila Bridges
Record Products 2017: Best Kitchen & Bath Products
Verge with WashBar
This completely touchless all-in-one washing system integrates the Verge natural composite basin with the WashBar, a chrome-plated stainless-steel fixture that houses soap, water, and dryer in a single component. The integrated ADA-compliant design uses LED lights and icons to guide users through handwashing, while the dryer and bowl were designed to work together to eliminate spraying onto users or the floor.
MilanoSlim
Designed by the Milan-based architect Franco Sargiani, the Milano collection now includes MilanoSlim, a multifunctional in-wall shower panel with thermostatic mixer, three-way diverter, rainfall showerhead, hand shower, and the option of either body spray or waterfall. Available in polished or brushed stainless steel.
Kingsbridge Series
Inspired by English harbor towns and villages, the Kingsbridge decorative hardware series in Top Knobs’ Devon Collection features smooth, flat tops and slightly rounded edges. The base of each solid zinc alloy piece includes an extra layer of detailing with two parallel bands, while the T-shaped knobs mimic the shape of the pulls, with the same wide, flat surface area.
Zera Food Recycler
Every year, an average family produces over 400 pounds of food waste, most of which ends up in landfills. The Zera Food Recycler by Whirlpool can break down a week’s worth of the average family’s food waste within 24 hours into ready-to-use fertilizer. The 11"-wide, 22"-high, and 33¾"-deep stainless-steel appliance utilizes oxygen, moisture, heat, a plant-based additive, and an agitator to expedite the decomposition of food scraps.
Spectra+ Touch and eTouch Showerheads
These oversized showerheads feature an industry first: capacitive touch technology that allows users to change spray patterns with the touch of a finger on the outside ring of the fixture itself. In addition, the Spectra+ eTouch showerhead comes with a first-of-its-kind remote that can be mounted on nearly any shower wall to offer easy control of the spray patterns for bathers with limitations of height or mobility.
Jenn-Air Induction Wok Module
This special induction module features a concave design to cradle the round bottom of a wok. By melding cookware with the heat source, induction technology offers fast, efficient cooking power—a sensor detects cookware before enabling the induction element, and, when the vessel is removed, it switches off after 30 seconds. The 15" module also features glass-touch electronic controls that provide a minimal look and near-flush installation with countertops.
Zaha Stone
With Zaha Stone, Neolith has created the look of Iranian Gray marble in sintered stone. Paying tribute to the late Zaha Hadid, Zaha incorporates a richer industrial-gray tone with white veins etched onto the backdrop in contrasting directions. Available in a silk finish in thicknesses of .24" and .47", the Persian-inspired stone can be used indoors or outdoors for countertops, flooring, walls, and facades in residential or commercial settings.
ASA-D2
Cosentino partnered with architect Daniel Germani on this contemporary freestanding outdoor kitchen. ASA-D2 features Dekton by Cosentino countertops, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens stainless-steel cabinetry, and a grill by Caliber Appliances. A modular design allows access to storage on both sides of the unit. Finishes include an aged and oxidized steel, solid-black Calacatta-marble replica, and high-gloss white.
Sheila Bridges
